Successful brush manufacturer, he had radical political ideas, a
supporter of universal suffrage and annual parliaments.

1818 Joseph helped to launch the 'Manchester Observer' with John
Knight, James Wroe and John Saxton. The newspaper was a success
selling at least 4000 copies a week. The newspaper expanded the
following year by selling copies in most large cities and towns around
Britain,

In 1819 Joseph with John Knight and James Wroe formed the Patriotic
Union Society, Johnson became secretary and James Wroe treasurer.
The main objective of the society to obtain Parliamentary Reform.

The society arranged a meeting of the county of Lancashire rather than
just Manchester alone. They invited Major Cartwright, Henry Hunt
and Richard Carlile to speak, Major Cartwright was unable to attend but
Hunt and Carlile agreed, the meeting was arranged for 16th August
at St Peter's Field.

Johnson was arrested and charged with "assembling with unlawful banners
at an unlawful meeting for the purpose of inciting discontent".

Whilst Joseph was in prison at Lincoln, his young wife became ill and
died, the governor of the prison refused permission for him to attend
the funeral.

After he was released from prison in March 1831 Joseph spirit was
broken and he withdrew from politics.